Players from the West Coast Eagles’ AFL and AFLW squads will be answering calls in the phone room at the 2022 Channel 7 Perth Telethon this weekend to help support sick children and their families across Western Australia.

AFL duo Jack Darling and Jamaine Jones will be chatting alongside AFLW stars Mikayla Western, Sarah Lakay, Sophie McDonald, Emily Bennett and Aisling McCarthy, and West Coast staff, as part of the Telethon drive.

West Coast will continue its long-standing partnership of over two decades with Telethon as this year will mark the 55th Telethon and will be hosted at its new home at the RAC Arena in the Perth CBD.

The event will run from Saturday, October 22 until Sunday, October 23 with the players answering the phones between 11am – 12pm on Sunday.

After recently becoming an Australian citizen, key leader in the Eagles’ AFLW side Aisling McCarthy was honoured to get the chance to play her part for the West Australian community.

“It’s great to have such a large representation from the entire club – both our men’s, women’s teams as well as staff are getting involved,” McCarthy said.

“When I moved to Perth, I found out pretty quickly that is one of the most important charitable events in the state and is known nationally for the impact it has on the lives of children with potentially life-threatening diseases.

“I’ve heard it’s the highest donating telethon in the world per capita and it’s great that West Coast can get involved and be a part of a community that has donated more than $457 million to ensure a better life for our children now and in the future.

“I encourage everyone to give us a call throughout the weekend and with any luck you may be able to get one of us on the phone on Sunday.” 

The 26-hour event will be broadcast on Channel 7 and 7plus LIVE from RAC arena and will bring the popular Family Festival to the surrounding streets, with all aspects of the Telethon Weekend taking place in one location.